Case Studies
Beauty Mark: Professionalizing a New Business by Making It a Destination Online and Off
Business: Cloud Nine Salon & Spa
Website: cnsalonandspa.com
Type of Business: Small Business
Small businesses rely on cost-saving measures to grow at a pace that won't strain operations or cash flow. When David Jones and his wife Jodee, who own Cloud Nine Salon and Spa, decided to begin marketing online, Jones relied on a LancetCard "to build the website in increments, rather than all at once: We could never afford to do a full-blown website right off the bat," says the enthusiastic owner. "We've been using the LancetCard now to make upgrades as we can afford them. For a small business owner like me, the Card gives me a workable strategy to manage my website and to know what I'm spending." The website also professionalizes his business, and makes it an attractive destination.
- The Situation
David Jones and his wife Jodee, owners of Cloud Nine Salon and Spa in the Twin Cities, live the dream of every small business owner - grow and become a regional market leader. Cloud Nine is a relatively new company offering a "full service family salon" concept that is proving its viability by integrating individual hair stylists, beauty and body technicians and other salon professionals on a contract basis. Jones says by working together in one location, each provider has strengthened and grown their business, with the flexibility to leverage other services they would not normally be able to offer.
Offering a complete spa experience, Cloud Nine features massage, nails, hair, skincare and other beauty and comfort necessities. Each salon provider is well-established with 10-13 years experience in their respective profession and brings with them a loyal client base that can now enjoy other spa services they may not have had the opportunity to experience before. This full-service approach gives the business a competitive edge and the client more opportunity to get all the services they want under one roof. As another approach to growing the business, Jones wanted to find a strategic but cost-effective way to market Cloud Nine online.- The Solution
"Turning to LancetCardT", Jones notes, "offered us the perfect solution with flexibility to build the website in increments, rather than all at once. Now, we use LancetCard to make upgrades as we go. For a small business owner like me, the card offers a workable strategy to manage my website and monitor what I spend."
With the ability to track updates, when they were done, and hours used, Jones is always on top of his web spending and the results. "LancetCard comes with accountability and easy access. It's a good tool to help us manage the ongoing website development." And Jones admits that having access to several web experts using LancetCard is a huge benefit for small to mid-size companies - a strategy in many ways like his arrangement with his "employees". "Knowing there is a team always available at Lancet to help gives me a lot of confidence to continue expanding the site," adds Jones.
Perhaps the most significant benefit the salon and spa entrepreneur sees in using LancetCard for his web needs is that "the website professionalizes my business, it makes us a destination." It also serves as a draw to others looking for work in a professional, upscale environment.- The Result
Jones is using the site creatively to attract customers and new providers while watching the business expand. "This is an extremely convenient and busy location in Eagan, Minnesota. We offer a beautiful decor, contemporary yet warm and inviting, an atmosphere everyone will love." Combining that environment with a professional, useful website opens the door to endless opportunities to reach clients with offers and information they can use and appreciate.
Looking to the future, Cloud Nine has big plans for more interactive communications, an e-newsletter, gift certificates online and more product and promotional material. With the results realized, Lancet proved they understand how to develop and leverage websites that deliver bottom line results.
